In truth, online food ordering has created its value as a separate industry segment in recent years due to the proliferation of website and mobile app development. Plus, it makes life so much easier for busy people, saving them time and changing the way they dine. According to studies, the food delivery segment accounts for almost 40% of the restaurant industry and that seems a good sign to invest in food ordering apps. If business owners in the restaurant industry want to remain competitive, it is obvious that they have to specialize their services and be different! No doubt, now, a food ordering app on demand can be the best weapon for that. This article deliberately articulates the features that should be included in such an app that will help restaurant owners reap maximum benefits.
Customer login or registration
Users need to enter some basic details like name, address, and phone number to create an account on the app from where they can regularly order. So the journey of food ordering app begins with the login feature for user registration which also helps the owners to collect the customer database. Tracking personal data helps them build a great relationship with customers by providing them with personalized services.
Detailed menu with customization options
The app also needs to place a long menu card that mentions the type of food, prices, portions, etc. of each item as it is offered on the restaurant tables. To make finding food easier, it is advisable to categorize the menu into various types of cuisine and put a search button where customers can type in a name and find all about their favorite dishes. Also, if the owners want to make their app better than the rest, they can include a custom ordering feature, i.e. customers can order some extra toppings or garnishes on their food.
Loyalty/Referral Program
Many restaurants skip this most important feature of a food ordering app that can help them attract more customers. By setting up a rewards program that will add points to the customer’s account each time an order is placed, owners can keep customers hooked to their app for all subsequent orders. Those reward points after a certain period can be redeemed for great deals or free meals. Referral schemes can also become equally beneficial as they encourage existing satisfied users to refer others and earn reward points for each referral, increasing the chances of the restaurant getting more customers.
payment flexibilities
Once a customer is convinced by the app to place an order, they look for an easy way to pay. A must have app with a number of options including cash, credit and debit cards are highly desired. The integration of other viable options for payments, such as net banking, mobile wallet such as Apple Pay or Google wallet, can offer additional advantages by providing greater customer convenience.
restaurant board
Not only customers but also restaurant owners will get the benefits of online ordering from the app. It should be built with a beautiful dashboard through which the owners can manage the food list, orders and customers well. While they can add, edit or change cuisines, add descriptions or images on the menu, they can also closely track orders until they are delivered through it. Additionally, owners can regularly check their restaurant ratings or reviews and work on improvements if necessary.
While many apps with online food delivery are already making money and have built a great reputation in the market, restaurant owners who want to sail the same ships should get on-demand services as their priority. These features with a premium focus on convenience and fast delivery speed can help owners realize higher ROI benefits in a short time.